Police deal with rural off-roaders

During last weekend, June 22nd and 23rd, North Wales Police ran a second operation to address concerns regarding off-road bikes and 4x4 vehicles.

Following numerous complaints, increased patrols are taking place in rural parts of Denbighshire and Wrexham to target the illegal use of off-road motorcycles that are being ridden illegally.

As a result of the weekend long operation 15 people were dealt with for having illegal number plates, one had no insurance one for was dealt with for other driving offences.

Sgt Martin Jones said: “In addition to a safety hazard to both themselves and others, illegal off-roading has a major impact on the environment.”

“There are signs in place, but people are choosing to ignore them. We would like to remind members of the public that anyone found to be undertaking illegal off-road activity on a footpath or bridleway may be liable to prosecution under S34 of the Road Traffic Act and S59 Police Reform Act. Under both acts, illegal off-road riders are liable to have their vehicles seized.”

“The best way forward is for these riders to find a commercial motorsports site, an off-road centre, or by joining a reputable club specialising in off-road activities. User organisations can advise people on the use of public rights of way, such as byways and unsurfaced roads.”

Police have the power to seize bikes and cars which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress. A warning is given first but if that fails to be effective and the vehicle is used in an anti-social manner again, it will be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. Vehicles can also be seized if the rider is not insured or has no road tax.

Riders who want to keep within the realms of the law are encouraged to contact their local rights of way officer for information on where they can ride or join one of the many organisations representing riders.

Sgt Jones added: “Riding off road motorbikes can be very popular – however, these vehicles can also be used in a dangerous, noisy and anti-social way, generating lots of complaints to police.”

“We regularly receive complaints concerning the anti-social use of off road motorbikes, and to help reduce harm to individuals and communities, we will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Natural Resources Wales to carry out operations where we will seize and crush illegal off road vehicles.”

He added: “Information received via the public is vital to positive action being taken and we are urging anybody who witnesses the illegal use of motorcycles, off-road or quad bikes in the area to contact us. We would also request that any footage captured is sent to us with as much detail as possible.”

Sergeant Luke Hughes, of Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We will continue to take action against those who show no regard for road traffic laws, or those with no respect for the local community and wildlife.

"We wish to make our communities and these areas of natural beauty safe and accessible for all to enjoy and will run similar events regularly through the summer."

Anybody with information regarding the use of illegal off-road bikes are asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always dial 999.

No. 5 bus will run for another year, says government

The Welsh Government will continue to fund the important number 5 bus service Wrexham to Llangollen in 2019-20, Transport Minister Ken Skates has announced.

It means this regular service will continue for the next year and carry on taking in stops including in Johnstown and Ruabon Railway Station.

The Welsh Government will now work with Denbighshire County Council to agree the necessary arrangements.

The news comes after Ken Skates recently announced funding of £25 million Bus Service Support Grant for local authorities in Wales for 2019-20.

This funding supplements local authorities’ expenditure from their own budgets in supporting the bus and community transport networks in their areas.

The Welsh Government’s White Paper, Improving Public Transport, also aims to improve bus services and provide legislation which will help deliver a truly integrated public transport service.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: "An effective and reliable bus service is for many communities a lifeline and I have heard previously how beneficial the number 5 is to local people.

"I am pleased the Welsh Government will continue to support this service which is vital in connecting communities on this route from Wrexham to Llangollen.

"We know bus services provide important access to education, training, work and healthcare and for people to quite simply enjoy a day out. I hope today’s announcement brings comfort to those who use it knowing they can continue to benefit from this service.

"As a government, we are absolutely committed to ensuring a healthy future for public transport. Local authorities have a vital role to play in delivering a sustainable bus service for the benefit of local communities and we will continue to work closely with them and the bus industry to ensure passengers’ interests and needs come first.

Managing Director of Arriva Buses Wales, Michael Morton said: "The continuation of funding for this front line service guarantees that we can maintain the frequency on Sapphire Service 5 from Wrexham to Llangollen. Arriva Buses Wales is pleased to see that the Welsh Government sees this as an important transport link in this very beautiful part of North Wales that will continue to provide local people and tourists with an upmarket Sapphire standard bus service."

Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, Councillor Brian Jones said: "We are delighted that the news of a second year’s additional funding for bus service improvements in Llangollen.

"This funding ensures that the town and its residents and many visitors will continue to benefit from an improved bus service than would otherwise be the case and this is meeting demand for public transport services locally in the Llangollen area. On weekdays, the funding allows the service to continue broadly every half hour during the day.

"The council also subsidises the evening bus service and I’m sure these developments will receive a positive response in the local community."

Council to host eisteddfod welcome event

Ysgol y Gwernant honoured for Welsh language use

* The gold award winners line up.

Ysgol y Gwernant in Llangollen is amongst 14 Denbighshire schools honoured for their commitment to increasing the number of pupils who communicate socially through the medium of Welsh.

In January 2016 the Welsh Government launched the Welsh Language Charter pilot scheme in Denbighshire's Welsh medium schools. 

The aim of the charter is to increase children's social use of the Welsh language. 

By taking part in the scheme schools will plan to inspire children and young people to use their Welsh in all aspects of their lives.

The Language Charter encourages participation by all members of the school community - the school council and the language ambassadors, pupils, the workforce, parents, governors and the wider community.

The schools received the Language Charter Bronze Award in the summer of 2016 and the Silver Award in the summer of 2017. 

Since then the schools have been working hard to achieve the Gold Award requirements and since summer 2018 they have been validated one after another and succeeded in achieving the Gold Award.

The successful schools are:

• Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen
• Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd
• Ysgol Betws Gwerfil Goch
• Ysgol Bro Elwern, Gwyddelwern
• Ysgol Pen Barras, Ruthin
• Ysgol Pentrecelyn
• Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch
• Ysgol Tremeirchion
• Ysgol Henllan
• Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh
• Ysgol Dewi Sant, Rhyl
• Ysgol y Llys, Prestatyn
• Ysgol Pant Pastynog, Prion
• Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, Clocaenog.

Councillor Huw Hilditch Roberts, Lead Cabinet Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “Receiving the Gold Award clearly shows the hard work that has taken place within the schools to improve the quality of the school pupils to socialise through the medium of Welsh.

“The pupils have been inspired to enjoy using the Welsh language in an increasing range of situations,  increasing their use of technology through the medium of Welsh and their confidence to use the language more widely within their community and beyond.

“Congratulations to all pupils on their success.”

County backs 10-year World Heritage Site plan

A plan outlining how the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site will be managed over the next 10 years has been supported by Denbighshire’s Cabinet.

Five miles of the Llangollen Canal, which is part of the World Heritage Site, is situated in Denbighshire and the council is one of four partners that have responsibility for managing the site. 

The others are the Canal and River Trust; Shropshire Council and Wrexham County Borough Council.

The sited is an outstanding example of the advances in canal building and the Industrial Revolution and includes the Llangollen and Ellesmere Canals.

The plan sets out how the partners will work together to create a community which is proud of its heritage and culture, making sure that the site is sustainable and preserved and that the site management results in greater economic, social and environmental benefits for this part of North East Wales and North Shropshire.

All partners will need to support the plan. Subject to approval from all partners, it will then be submitted to Welsh Government Ministers, the UK Government’s Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “The site has great historic significance and is one of the region’s key tourism attractions. 

“Denbighshire is proud to be a key partner on the management board and values having such a major landscape attraction in our corner of North East Wales.

“There is a clear vision in place for managing the site.  We want people to continue to enjoy, value and appreciate the site and its historic and industrial past. There is also a lot of emphasis in the Action Plan on how all partners will work together to safeguard this important site for future generations."

Vicar aims to set up music hall branch in Llangollen

* Father Lee Taylor during an old time music hall performance.

Llangollen’s showbiz-loving vicar is aiming to set up a North Wales branch of the British Music Hall Society based in the town.

A big fan of the music hall since he was a youngster, Father Lee Taylor is a keen member of the society and also a frequent performer of the style of sing-along music which was popular around the end of the Victorian era and into the 20^th century.

The vicar of St Collen’s and three other churches in the Valle Crucis Area, Father Lee now wants to set up a new branch based in Llangollen where fellow enthusiasts from right across the region can come together to celebrate their love of vintage songs like Down at the Old Bull and Bush and Champagne Charlie.

He said: “I’m a massive fan of music hall which was where the masses went for a good night out well before the days of TV and radio.

“I’ve been a member of the society for quite a few years and its stated aim is to cherish the entertainment jewels of the past.

“It’s supported by lots of famous people, such as the former Prime Minister Sir John Major, whose father Tom was a music hall and circus performer, the actress Dame Patricia Routledge and Ken Dodd’s widow, Lady Anne.”

Father Lee himself has been known to tread the boards doing comic songs and patter from the great days of music hall, particularly those involving vicars.

“I perform old songs like The Vicar and I Will Be There and, in fact, that’s one of the ones I’ll be doing when I do a guest performance for the local Ladies’ Fellowship in August,” he said.

“On Saturday, September 21 I’ve organised a coach trip from Llangollen to the world-famous City Varieties Theatre in Leeds, known as the home of music hall after years of staging the show, The Good Old Days. We still have a number of places left on coach.

“I’d love to start a North Wales branch of the society which would probably meet monthly in Llangollen. We’d have talks on the music hall, perhaps from experts and maybe people who saw it.

“We’d also show video clips of performances and have sing-alongs which I’d accompany on the piano.

“If we attracted the right kind of talented people we might even organise some music hall performances in local venues like church halls and pubs.”

* If you’re interested in joining a local branch of the British Music Hall Society, or joining the Leeds trip in September, email Father Lee on: frleetaylor@hotmail.co.uk

Kia with a 170mph sting in the tail

* The new Kia Stinger.

Kia Stinger road test by Steve |Rogers

A Kia capable of 170mph. We are having a laugh aren't we?

Nope, the Korean company that has won over the Brits with hatchbacks and crossovers has moved into the fast lane with a sports saloon destined to challenge the sporting hierarchy that is BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.

Enter the Stinger - what a great name for a grand tourer - the quickest and boldest car ever to come off a Kia production line. New territory it may be but Stinger is no flash in the pan attempt to take on the establishment.

Stinger has been six years in the making and Kia waited until they had the right people in place before finally going for it. The final act was poaching Albert Biermann from BMWs M Sport division to make sure Stinger's engine and chassis were on the money.

The result is pure eye candy. People stand and stare and can't quite take in that this beauty is a Kia and who can blame them when the staple so far has been Ceed hatchback and Sportage crossover.

As a package Stinger is out there on its own stacked with kit making it serious value for money. Most of the standard features would be options on its German rivals. And while the German trio still feel a bit more special Stinger's cabin is a cut above anything we have seen before from Kia.

That's all very well but the real key to Stinger's success will be down to performance and handling. Biermann's task was to engineer a rear wheel drive grand tourer that was sharp and quick but not so brutal that you finished your journey thinking you had just climbed out of a rally car.

To that end he has succeeded. Stinger is as sound as a pound when pushed hard with quick steering and strong dynamics yet the level of comfort is rather better than might be expected. There are the usual electronic settings for different ride modes and even one that tailors everything to the driver's needs. I tried that but couldn't feel any difference.

The ultimate Stinger is powered by a 3.3 litre V6 with two other engine options, a 2-litre diesel or 2-litre petrol which is the subject of this road test. Logic would tell you to go the whole hog and buy the V6 rather than settle for second best yet I was more than satisfied with 'second best'.

The direct injection petrol musters 230bhp and responds more than adequately when asked put to the task through an eight speed automatic box with shifter paddles. Throttle response is swift accelerating Stinger to sixty in around seven seconds and there is enough mid range punch to set the adrenalin flowing.

Where Stinger leaves its rivals standing is on specification. It wants for nothing with a full suite of safety features which are important elements these days, and all the luxury items we crave. So if your wish list includes heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, sharp 360 degree view monitor, head up display, auto dipping headlights along with navigation and voice control then look no further.

I could only find one minor irritation. The centre mounted touch screen is a bit of a stretch for the driver and would be far better if selections could be made with a rotary controller in the centre console.

Whichever way you look at it Stinger is a wild card entry into the world of sports saloons, here to challenge the sporting hierarchy that is BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar. For a first effort it is a resounding success - BMW would have been over the moon if its first M5 was this good, yet Kia's UK sales hopes are modest at around 1,800 a year.

Badge snobbery counts for a lot when it comes to speed machines so expecting Audi, Merc or BMW loving Brits to swap in their droves isn't going to happen - yet. But happen it will because Stinger can will make it to the premier division, it just needs a bit more time.

Key facts

Stinger GT Line S

35,975

2-litre GDi 242bhp

0-60mph 5.8secs; 145mph

29.4mpg combined

191g/km. 1st year road tax £1,280

New Oak Street gallery has successful opening

* The newly-opened gallery showcasing work including pictures by owner Karl Young.

The official opening of the new Oak Street Gallery in Llangollen on Saturday evening went very well, according to its owner. 

Karl Young said: "It was a beautiful summer's evening, which helped because the crowd who came to the opening was able to extend out into the street. 

"I want to thank everyone who came and made it a memorable evening."

The opening exhibition, which will run from Wednesday to Sunday until July 27, features a number of pictures by Karl who is an artist himself.

Crowds flock to new Corwen food festival

* A general view of the food festival, with the new station in the background. 

Thanks to glorious weather, the first Corwen food festival brought out the crowds yesterday (Saturday).

Based on the old Pavilion site and organised by Anglesey Events, it included a host of stalls showcasing products from a wide area of North Wales.

George Jones, spokesman for Llangollen Railway whose project to open a new station in the area is rapidly nearing completion and who took these pictures, said: "The station development formed an impressive backdrop and it was generally agreed that at future events the arrival of a steam train would make a dramatic entrance. 

"The potential for the site was clearly demonstrated and for once the town's car park was full - and free.

"The event attracted a variety of stalls featuring craft and heritage sales, as well as traditional and exotic food and drink.

"The group performing in the morning was the Magee Bros, from Holyhead with a mix of Welsh, English and Irish songs."

* The Magee Bros on stage at the festival.

County provides opportunities for work placements

A new work placement scheme is being introduced by Denbighshire County Council to help unemployed people get back to the world of work.

The Work Start scheme will be offering 15 paid work placements, at 16-30 hours a week work for a period of three months.  

There will also be 15 unpaid placements available, lasting six to eight weeks.  

These jobs will be wide-ranging potentially leading to a permanent position for the right candidate and will be available in the council’s main services.

The scheme is part of the Working Denbighshire project, which helps people get into work by providing support and guidance with a range of issues, including: motivation and confidence; one to one advice and guidance; training opportunities; volunteering; CV writing; work experience; interview techniques; applying for jobs; personal finances; caring responsibilities and  anything else that is preventing you getting into education, employment or training 

This scheme is available to existing and new participants of the Working Denbighshire scheme which means you will receive the support necessary to guide you through your placement.

People are encouraged to keep an eye on Denbighshire’s website and social media accounts for details of when the placements become available.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE,  said: “This is a great opportunity for individuals out of work to gain some valuable experience and support that will get them onto a career ladder and improve their prospects of gaining further employment in the future.

“Whilst there is no guarantee of a job with the council, it could be the best stepping stone ever into a brand new career or a change in direction. All placements will be closely monitored, to make sure all individuals taking part maximise the opportunity to gain as much as possible from the experience”.

* To find out more about the programme, contact the team, on 01824  706489. Further details about the Working Denbighshire scheme can be found at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/workingdenbighshire

Local groups meet to pool ideas at world cafe event

* Above and below: the groups discuss matters of mutual interest during the meeting.  

A range of local groups and organisations were represented at a World Cafe event hosted by Llangollen Town Council's Cittaslow Committee at the Town Hall yesterday (Thursday) evening.

The aim of the meeting was to find ways of them co-operating and sharing ideas which would benefit the town and their own aims.

Along with members of the committee, they split into discussion groups to deal with topics of mutual concern such as marketing and publicity, networking and partnership, funding, training advocacy.

This was a follow-up session to similar, previous meetings organised by Cittaslow.

Vicar plans major celebration of town's patron saint

* The carving of St Collen which will take
 pride of place during the celebration on August 4.

Llangollen vicar Father Lee Taylor is planning a major event in August to celebrate the town's patron saint.

Father Lee has commissioned local artist Christian Lancaster to carve an image of St Collen, whom Llangollen is also named after, and it's the first one ever done of a Welsh saint, he believes.      

The statue will be dedicated and blessed during a service at St John's Church in Abbey Road on Sunday August 4, starting at 10.30am.

The blessing will be followed by a colourful procession through the town up to St Collen's Church for a celebratory mass and refreshments afterwards. 

Father Lee said: "The saint will be carried aloft on a carrier with wreaths of flowers.

"Llangollen Silver Band, a choir and local dignitaries and representatives from the town will join in the procession. It will be an important day for the town."

Saint Collen was a 7th-century monk who is said to have arrived in Llangollen by coracle and founded a church beside the river. 

As there are no other churches in Wales dedicated to St Collen, it is possible that this St Collen may also have connections in both Colan, Cornwall, where Colan Church is dedicated to him, and Langolen in Brittany.

St Collen died on May 21, probably sometime in the early 7th century. He was buried in his chapel. 

For centuries it was known as the 'Old Church' and stood immediately to the west of the present medieval church of St Collen in Llangollen.

Man arrested on suspicion of firearms offences

North Wales Police have just posted on social media ...

Please do not be alarmed if you saw firearms officers in #Llangollen earlier.

A man has been arrested by the canal footpath and is on his way to custody after being arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

Project aims to knit the wool back into Llan

* Gill Britten, right, and Cath Jones 
at the Gwlangollen spinning wheel.

A new project aims to put the wool back into Llangollen.

Gwlangollen sets out to bring together wool producers and users.

Through the use of traditional craft skills, suitable fleece are processed to produce unique, handmade, soft furnishings and gifts to be sold locally.

The project has achieved this by bringing together fleece producers who are interested in developing the necessary skills to process some of their own fleece, competent crafters who can pass on their skills to others, and volunteers who enjoy learning and making together.

Project spokeswoman Gill Britten said: "Shearing is an animal welfare issue which producers need to comply with. Historically fleece has been sold to the Wool Marketing Board (WMB). 

"In the past, the sale of fleece used to cover the annual farm rent. Today farmers are often receiving less than the cost of shearing and transportation costs to their nearest WMB depot.

"Gwlangollen has a keen awareness of the challenges faced by Welsh hill farmers and small holders, through rural and digital isolation, onerous workloads and often financial hardship." 

She explains that to date the project's research and development has been about:

 The preservation and passing on the heritage craft skills connected with the local woollen industry to the next generation

 Exploring the wider potential of locally produced fleece

 Documenting the history of the woollen industry in Llangollen and its impact on the development of the town

Gill added: "We work closely with Lilly Rose Interiors in Llangollen. Jan markets our goods and ensures they comply with health and safety regulations and quality control. A ready market for our products has already been demonstrated. The project complies with Llangollen Town Council’s Cittaslow principles.

"Our supporters include crafters who are proficient in every aspect of using wool. Most are willing to pass on their skills either on a 1:1 or small group basis.

"Anyone interested, would be most welcome to join a Maker Day drop-in held every Friday from 10am-4pm at Pentredwr Community Centre. 

"Our next free event is our fleece sale and weaving event Saturday June 29, from 1-4pm, at Pentredwr Community Centre.

"It is your opportunity to see weaving demonstrations, or buy some fleece, talk to the producers and crafters. It's also a great networking opportunity and maybe the chance to try something new. Refreshments will be available.

"In order to develop, we are desperate for an affordable workshop, with a small area of outside space somewhere in Llangollen. We are very keen to contribute to the visitor experience of the town. If anyone has a creative suggestion to make, please do contact me on 07871 774651."

Scam letter warning from trading standards

Denbighshire Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard after a complaint was received about a Hong Kong Bank letter.

The letter, received through the post addressed directly to the property owner, advised that Bank, ‘CTBC Bank of Hong Kong’, had a client who had passed away leaving a substantial amount of money that they wished to ‘dispose of’ by making the addressee the sole beneficiary, all at the small cost of splitting the money 50/50.

Denbighshire Trading Standards is warning that this is a scam letter on a fishing exercise to try and obtain personal bank details. 

This scam letter has been cropping up from time to time for over 10 years now and in some cases people have replied.

Anyone receiving such a letter is advised not to reply and register the details with Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk  if they have internet access, or contact the Citizens Advice Service on 0345 4040506. People are advised never to give  out bank details to anyone they  don’t know.

New gallery to open on Saturday

* Examples of Karl Young's own work. 

From top, Llangollen under Snow, Corwen Pavilion and Gallt y Wenallt.

* The new gallery in Oak Street which opens this Saturday.

A new art gallery will open in Oak Street, Llangollen on Saturday evening.

It will be launched with an exhibition of paintings by its owner Karl Young which will run from June 22 until July 27. 

The gallery aims to showcase the work of artists from North Wales and the Borders, selling original works and prints.

On Saturday there will be an opening reception from 7-9pm, which will coincide with a similar opening event at nearby Gwalia Ceramics. https://gwaliaceramics.co.uk/

Karl Young said: "It is important for me that the work I exhibit is inspired by a spirit of creativity and not commercialism."

* For more details of the new gallery, go to: https://www.facebook.com/12OakStreetGallery/

International Eisteddfod countdown begins

* Greek dancers go through their paces on Centenary Square last year.

The countdown has begun to the 2019 International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.

The week-long festival line-up features some of the world’s most internationally renowned musicians, including French-Mexican star tenor, Rolando Villazón, salsa, pop and flamenco outfit, Gipsy Kings, and award-winning Celtic music band, Jamie Smith’s MABON.

Music Director of the festival, Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “We are proud that this year’s festival line-up spans genres and generations, crossing the boundaries of age, culture and creed. There really is something for everyone.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net.

Full evening concert line-up is:

Monday 1st July – Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Sponsored by Kronospan

Returning festival favourite and Vice President of the Eisteddfod, Jools Holland, will entertain the Royal Pavilion audience with his legendary Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on Monday 1st July. The jazz, blues and swing showstopper will launch the 2019 concert series with an unforgettable toe-tapping extravaganza of live music.

Tuesday 2nd July - Classical Gala with Rolando Villazón and guests

Sponsored by Pendine Park

One of the music world’s most critically acclaimed tenors, Rolando Villazón will debut his phenomenal voice on the Llangollen stage. Villazón, who is known for his uniquely compelling performances with leading opera houses around the world, will be joined by the magnificent Welsh lyric soprano Rhian Lois for a spectacular evening of operatic greats.

Wednesday 3rd July - Saints and Singers: The Music of Wales

Wales has a world-wide reputation for its choral music, and Wednesday’s evening performance will showcase the Land of Song at its very best, with supreme Welsh vocalists Shân Cothi and Rhodri Prys Jones, accompanied by the British Sinfonietta Orchestra. Audiences will be treated to two rare opportunities: the premiere of a brand new piece for tenor, chorus and orchestra by Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, and the sheer majesty of the incredible cantata ‘Saint Teilo’ by William Mathias CBE. The evening promises to be a tremendously dramatic celebration of traditional music from Wales, bursting with glorious melodies and powerful operatic choruses.

Thursday 4th July - International Celebration with Jamie Smith’s MABON

Sponsored by Denbighshire County Council and Westminster Stone

International competitors from all over the world will come together in a vibrant carnival of cultures to showcase the very best from across the globe, as they weave through the audience with their giant flags in a vivacious display of international unity and friendship.

The evening will commemorate the International Eisteddfod’s unique founding values of sharing music, dance, peace and friendship, with the poignant Peace Message and the annual Rotary Peace Award.

Special guests for the evening, multi-award winning band, Jamie Smith’s MABON, will bring their distinctive self-styled sound to get feet tapping with their interpretation of Celtic traditions, refreshingly combining heritage with their contemporary sound.

Friday 5th July - Gipsy Kings featuring Andre Reyes

Sponsored by Linguassist

Hailing from the south of France, the group will bring their energetic set with infectious Latin rhythms to Llangollen for the very first time. Their music is warm, exuberant and hugely popular with trademark hits such as Bamboleo and Volare.

Audiences will be wowed by a heady concoction of rumba, flamenco and salsa combined with contemporary pop music, perfect for anybody who loves to dance.

Saturday 6th July - Choir of the World

Sponsored by Aldi

In a live televised concert, the festival's competitions will reach their exciting climax on Saturday, with the finest choirs from across the globe battling for the highly sought after Choir of the World 2019 title and the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy. Those taking part in the dance categories will participate in the breath-taking Dance Champions of the World 2019 finals, competing for the coveted Lucille Armstrong Dance Award. The evening will include a very special appearance from Royal Harpist, Catrin Finch.

Sunday 7th July - Llanfest 2019

Scottish indie rockers The Fratellis, best known for their worldwide smash Chelsea Dagger, Mistress Mabel and Whistle for the Choir, will headline Llanfest alongside Merseyside music legends The Coral, with their chart-topping tracks Dreaming of You, Pass it On and In the Morning.

Joining the high energy line-up will be Leeds-based indie icons The Pigeon Detectives, with the likes of This is an Emergency, Take Her Back and I Found Out, as well as pop rock trio Dodgy, with nostalgic nineties hits Staying out for the Summer and Good Enough to open the main stage headliners.

Peugeot's latest load-lugger is a real good looker

 * The 508SW estate from the front. 

... and from the inside. 

Peugeot 508SW launch report by Steve Rogers

With SUV sales still booming is anyone interested in buying an estate car?

Peugeot hope so because it has just launched the 508SW estate and a mighty good looking car it is too. The French company has a strong pedigree with estates, my favourite was the eighties 505 with its third row of seats, a rarity in those days.

Demand for this size of car is shrinking with most of the sales going to the premium sector but Peugeot is banking on a reasonable hit from fleet and company car people and unlike many rivals believe diesel will account for nearly half of SW sales.

This is a strong area for Peugeot with three engine options, a 130bhp 1.5 and 160 or 180bhp 2-litre all will class leading low emissions, while the petrols also score well on emissions at 123g/km and 130g/km respectively for the 1.6 litre 180 and 225bhp outputs.

Petrol engines with the eight speed automatic gearbox have a new feature which switches the engine to freewheel when appropriate which Peugeot reckons reduces fuel consumption by around three per cent. A small amount but it all helps. A petrol plug in hybrid will come later in the year.

The 508 Fastback got huge praise from me for its stunning styling and designer Gilles Vidal has made a pretty good fist of the SW. Mirroring the glamorous rear end of the Fastback was never going to happen but this is still the best looking estate on the market.

Although 508SW does not lead the field on boot space - the cavernous Skoda Superb is the runaway leader - it is plenty big enough for most families and can outgun Ford Mondeo and Mazda6 with 530 litres with the back seats in place. The powered tailgate is good and wide, the boot sill one of the lowest in the class, but the biggest bonus is a flat loading area.

On the subject of space the SWs roofline is a tad higher than the swooping Fastback

so there is more back seat headroom, an area where its sister leaves taller passengers brushing the roof lining.

People with young families will appreciate ISOFIX fitting points on the two outer rear seats.

So what else can we look forward to? Apart from looks and strong engines running costs are predicted to be low helped by best in class trade ins, even better than an Audi A4, according to the experts.

Safety also figures highly and now brings in adaptive cruise control with stop and go function. I find this particularly useful on long stretches of motorway roadworks where cruise control can be set at a given limit letting the car do the rest, slowing and accelerating to order.

Of course the big news with Peugeot is still the futuristic i-Cockpit with its central 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3 inch digital head up display ahead of the driver.

We first saw the i-Cockpit layout at the launch of the switch free 308 when it received praise for its styling and criticism for the touchscreen because of the time it took to complete basic tasks like changing a radio station or adjusting the heating.

Peugeot refined i-Cockpit with piano style push keys which quickened the process and added a real touch of style to the otherwise bear centre console.

Does it totally solve the problem? To a degree but the best solution is a rotary dial behind the gearstick already favoured by several companies and I still prefer separate switches for the heating controls.

As for the cabin it is beautifully trimmed and shows how much Peugeot has done to improve quality and rid itself of the ridiculously outdated notion that quality does not matter. It is time that stigma was well and truly parked because Peugeot has spared no expense in creating plush surroundings.

We got a taste of how 508SW might drive with the Fastback and that was a big step up compared to the old model. SW is not set up to compete with a BMW or Audi but it not a car that shies away from taking on twists and turns.

Steering is quick and accurate while the suspension puts it in the middle ground offering a good compromise between comfort and go fast driving.

The 130bhp 1.5 litre diesel gives the best economy while performance is adequate. Anyone wanting extra oomph needs to sample the 2-litre where the 180bhp option is quite spicy.

Both petrol engines are feisty although noisy when pushed and given Peugeot's strength on this front I am surprised there isn't a lower powered petrol entry option.

The line up is Active, Allure, GT Line and GT with prices ranging from £26,845 for the 130bhp diesel to £38,245 for the range topping GT 180bhp 2-litre diesel. Petrol is not offered until Allure and starts at £31,495.

Key facts

508SW GT Line

£33,245

1.6 petrol Pure Tech; 181bhp

0-62mph 8secs; 140mpg

41.8mpg combined

127g/km 1st year tax £170

Insurance group 30

Two outdoor events planned for this week

Two outdoor events are being held this week in the woods near Llangollen town.

The first of these is tonight (Monday) and is a bat survey through Pen y Coed Woods, meeting at Pengwern Community Centre at 9.15pm.

You can try something new, learn how to use a bat detector and discover the wildlife that’s on your doorstep.

This Wednesday there is a free, guided Mindfulness Walk through Pen y Coed, again meeting at Pengwern Community Centre, at 11am.

Those taking part are asked to wear suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors.


Both events are part of the ongoing Nature for Health project, with many more events coming soon.

The project is a collaboration between Denbighshire Countryside Service and Denbighshire Housing.

Operatic scores double victory in amateur stage 'Oscars'

* The Llangollen Operatic team at the presentation evening in Hereford.

* Part of the production team from Joseph.
From left, Dee Smith, Pamela Williams and Jo Lloyd.

Llangollen Operatic Society came away with two wins plus a sheaf of nominations from this year’s amateur stage “Oscars”.

At the annual NODA  - National Operatic and Dramatic Association- Awards presentation evening in Hereford last Saturday the society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, had been nominated for Best Production of 2018 with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat while young actor Shea Ferron received a nod for Best Supporting Youth Performer Under-21 for his part as the Pharaoh in the same show.

Llangollen won both these categories.

The Young ‘Uns’ Cassius Hackforth had also been nominated for Best Youth Performer under 21 for Joseph. Nominated for Best Supporting Youth Performer Under 21 were Celyn Orton Jones and Erin Roberts as narrators for Joseph.

The award-winning Joseph was co-directed by Jo Lloyd and Robin Crowley. Producer for the show was Pamela Williams, assistant producer Dee Smith and Julian Cattley musical director.

In the society’s adult section Bill Hughes was nominated for Best Individual Performance Musical Theatre for his portrayal of Alfred Doolittle in the production of My Fair Lady in 2018.

Nominated for Best Supporting Individual Performance Musical Theatre was Alison Ravenscroft who played housekeeper Mrs Pearce in My Fair Lady.

As a show, My Fair Lady had been nominated for Best Musical Theatre Production in NODA’s District 1a 2018 and also Best Stage Management and Technical.

Jo Lloyd was the show’s director while Helen Belton produced with Leigh Mason as musical director.